Penquis receives funding for home weatherization

BANGOR — USDA Rural Development is investing $213,674 through two housing preservation grants to Penquis and the Western Maine Community Action Program.

USDA Rural Development State Director Timothy P. Hobbs said, “As winter approaches, I am pleased that USDA Rural Development can work with our valued community partners to help weatherize and repair rural homes in Maine, making them safer, warmer, more sustainable places to live.”

Penquis will receive a Housing Preservation Grant in the amount of $106,837. This Rural Development investment will help Penquis to assist single-family homeowners with home repairs for health and safety issues. A total of 20 people will be assisted in Penobscot, Piscataquis and Knox counties.

Western Maine Community Action Program will receive a Housing Preservation Grant in the amount of $106,837. This investment will help Western Maine Community Action Program to assist 30 people with home repairs for health and safety issues in Franklin County.

USDA Rural Development’s Housing Preservation Grant provides grants to partner organizations for the repair or rehabilitation of housing occupied by rural people that are eligible based on income. Eligible organizations are nonprofit organizations such as community action programs, state and local governmental entities and federally recognized tribes. For more information on this program and how to apply, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/housing-preservation-grants.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/me.